Small changes make a BIG impact in this Sagaponack, N.Y home

Exterior - Before

Exterior - Before

Drab color and nonexistent landscaping gave this 1940s-era beach cottage in Sagaponack, N.Y., the look of a well-located shoebox. Fortunately, its new owner recognized the potential for charm.

Because the roofing and siding of his weekend retreat were structurally sound, owner Tom Woodard could take advantage of inexpensive tools such as paint and perennials to give his house the face-lift it needed.

Exterior of Home

Exterior of Home

When Tom Woodard began to renovate his weekend getaway, he wanted to keep the project inexpensive and uncomplicated. His motto, Less fussy is best, guided the work. The results are clear: a house that suits its location and its owner to a T.

1. Paint — Behr's Ultra Pure White on the siding and Tropical Splash on the doors and shutters — transformed the exterior, emphasizing its charming architecture.

2. Railings topped with simple ball finials, a small deck, and a pair of lanterns for the door — all from the Home Depot — frame the entrance, giving it inviting impact.

3. Landscaping completes the picture. A duo of flower-filled urns on the porch lends a hint of elegance, and gently curving masses of sunflowers and perennials create a cottage garden that softens the straight lines of the facade.